When Elders Meet - In Rain or Shine

As I gather my thoughts this bright tropical morning, allow me to share that it has been very dry here in South Kona this year due to an El Nino climatic event warming the ocean… the same event that is slamming the mainland with torrential rains in the West and massive snowfalls in the Midwest and East.

And here on Hawai’i Island?? We are all hoping that the Hawaiian healing god Lono—the keeper of the winds and the bringer of the rains (and the god of agriculture)—will step forward and bless this island with moisture.

In that vein, last weekend Jill and I were at a dinner party at the home and farm of the internationally known artist Mayumi Oda, and when she and one of her women friends chanted a long Hawaiian prayer before the feast was served, invoking the Hawaiian gods to bring the rain, the sky suddenly opened up and it rained torrentially for half an hour.

Yes—the transpersonal forces do respond, even when the overall climatic regimes are inclement.

And… at this event I crossed trails with one of my heroes of thirty years—Joan Halifax Roshi. I had been a great fan of her shamanic books in the 1970s and 80s, some of which I used in my anthropology of religion class that I taught for years (see Recommended Reading). As some of you know, she is a Zen Master whose teachings are now focused upon the death experience from her Buddhist-shamanistic perspective, as well as dying with dignity and grace. She had read Spiritwalker years ago and we had a wonder-filled conversation… elder to elder, heart to heart.

Was a pleasure meeting you and Jill yesterday at the journeying meditation that we did to connect with Lono and ask for rain. On my way home last night clouds formed around Hualalia mountain and i passed through a small spattering of rain.

I awoke this morning with the understanding that I was to go out in my yard and meditate, giving thanks for each and every flower, and plant, tree, and rock in the form of a blessing. I was told that it was our duty to bestow blessings on all living things and as we did so , the rain would come. Within 20 minutes there was rain!!! Only 10 minutes the first time and again 2 hrs later. it rained for over 1/2 hr!!!!! It is raining again, a third time today, and i can hear it fall outside and all the plants and trees in my yard are rejoicing!!! I will continue with this meditation every day. Tomorrow i shall envision Honaunau and Napapoo!!!!!